Last week in the House of Representatives witnessed a contentious exchange. Discussions about fake eyelashes, “bleach blonde” hair, and alleged homophobic slurs were part of a heated dialogue between Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), drawing significant national attention. However, amid this chaos, a black Democratic congresswoman made a bigoted statement in the House that went largely unchallenged and uncritically addressed.
If Democrats didn’t have double standards, they would have none at all.
In her comments regarding accusations of sexual misconduct against Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chairman Martin Gruenberg, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) stated she was “so tired of white men failing up.” This statement exemplifies the racism, intolerance, and bigotry that Democrats claim they want to eliminate from society. Yet, because the target of Pressley’s remark was a white man, her comment escaped widespread criticism or the kind of outrage that would likely ensue had a white Republican made a similar comment about a black Democrat.
Regardless of opinions or sentiments about the accusations against Gruenberg, criticisms should center on his alleged actions and the accusations themselves. Gruenberg’s skin color is irrelevant to the allegations. Pressley should not have mentioned it, and everyone in Congress and the media should have condemned her racial bigotry.
But they didn’t. Why? Because racial discrimination against white men is often tolerated and, in some cases, encouraged.
As noted, Pressley’s comment represents the kind of inflammatory rhetoric that would lead to widespread condemnations if roles, races, and political parties were reversed. This double standard and hypocrisy persist in political spheres. More focus seems to be on attacking Greene than calling out Pressley for her racial bigotry. This must stop. Democrats who make racist remarks deserve strong, swift condemnation comparable to when Republicans are accused of similar behavior.
Moreover, given her concerns about seemingly wealthy men not being held accountable for sexual misconduct, Pressley might want to acquaint herself with numerous instances of professional athletes and rappers who often evade punishment for such crimes. They frequently “fail upward,” and they aren’t white men. Pressley might also want to note the recent video release showing affluent rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs beating his girlfriend in a 2016 incident.
We should all seek accountability for bad actors regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Bad people are bad people. However, Democrats like Pressley appear to prioritize skin color as the primary factor in such matters. Throughout her time in Congress, she has consistently highlighted the skin color of both the victim and the aggressor in these incidents.
Ayanna Pressley is a racist bigot. She should be held accountable for her blatant intolerance and discrimination.
